The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is setting sail once more, marking its 21st edition with a bold celebration of storytelling and the Filipino spirit. Happening from October 3 to 12, 2025, this year’s festival carries the theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos” (Sailing through Waves, Wind, and Storm), a fitting metaphor for the resilience of independent filmmakers who continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the evolving cinematic landscape.
Since its founding in 2005, Cinemalaya has supported the creation of more than 1,000 films, giving voice to both emerging and established filmmakers who explore the diverse realities of the Filipino experience. Many of its featured works have gone on to win recognition at major local and international festivals, helping shape the global conversation on Philippine cinema.
For its 21st edition, Cinemalaya showcases ten full-length feature films and ten short films in competition, each contending for the coveted Balanghai Trophy. This year’s full-length lineup includes Bloom Where You Are Planted by Nonilon Abao, Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva, Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan by Dustin Celestino, Padamlágan by Jenn Romano, Paglilitis by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon, Open Endings by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente, Republika ng Pipolipinas by Renei Dimla, Raging by Ryan Machado, and Warla by Kevin Alambra.
Equally compelling is the short film competition, featuring Ascension from the Office Cubicle by Hannah Silvestre, Figat by Handiong Kapuno, Hasang by Daniel de la Cruz, I’m Best Left Inside My Head by Elian Idioma, Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat ha Langit by Marie Estela Paiso, Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman sang Lawod by Seth Andrew Blanca, Please Keep This Copy by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta, Radikals by Arvin Belarmino, The Next 24 Hours by Carl Joseph Papa, and Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren. Together, these films promise a cinematic journey across diverse genres, themes, and artistic visions, offering audiences a deeper understanding of Philippine society, history, and imagination.
This year also sees an expansion of venues, bringing Cinemalaya to more audiences than ever before. Screenings will be held at the Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex. This wider reach ensures that independent Filipino films continue to engage new viewers and foster a nationwide appreciation for homegrown cinema.
Running alongside the main festival is the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, the longest-running independent film competition in Southeast Asia, featuring categories for narrative shorts, experimental works, documentaries, and animations.
As it enters its third decade, Cinemalaya remains a beacon for Filipino filmmakers, encouraging bold storytelling that is truthful, urgent, and artistically daring. The 2025 edition invites audiences to embark on a cinematic voyage that reflects the nation’s struggles, triumphs, and dreams, sailing forward through waves, wind, and storm toward a future where independent cinema continues to thrive.
